Steenberg Farm’s concept fine dining restaurant Tryn ticks a range of boxes. There’s the quintessential wine farm feels, the gorgeous interiors and cosy corners, and the brilliantly balanced food flavours that stand tall next to that of the hot-list restaurants in Cape Town.
Executive Chef Kerry Kilpin’s special winter menu is a crossroad between worldly flavours and South African produce. Choose a starter, mains, and dessert from a shortlist that packs heaps of punch. No overly fussy plating, just simple, seasonal ingredients and warm spices working together in unison with the chef team’s steady take on classic techniques.
There’s still time for some surprise and playful delight though – the miniature milky Mosbolletjie loaves and small seeded crackers served on arrival are a memorable moment and a cute tip of the hat to Japanese food culture.
A playful menu with attention to detail
Our recommendations? Start with pan-fried duck breast stacked artfully on brioche with beetroot and a hibiscus-infused glaze that tastes as sumptuous as it reads.
Chef Kerry’s fondness for Japanese cuisine comes through perfectly via angular fish fillet cuts glazed in umami and resting on edamame in a dashi and shiitake broth, and dusted with dried fish flakes for a bowl of comforting salty goodness. The seafood choice is sustainably sourced Cape Bream, courtesy of ABALOBI – a stunnign initiative that connects small-scale local fishing communities with the marketplace. Chef Kerry was one of the first Cape Town chefs to support this conscious seafood concept when it started way back in 2015.
For dessert, you can’t go wrong with the golden-crusted galette where seasonal quince takes centre stage, served with drizzled caramel and gorgonzola ice cream on the side. A selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes is also on offer.
It naturally makes sense to try and match some of the wine farm’s varietals with your meal. Go purist with red for some warmth and complexity, but a buttery Steenberg Oak Chardonnay or Sémillon should also do the trick.
End your visit with a walk around the vineyards and sculptural works dotted throughout the property. There’s a calm mood that sweeps throughout, certainly heightened by Constantia Valley views on one side and uninterrupted mountain scenery on the other.
-Benn Ndzoyiya
Cost: R525pp, includes three courses, amouse-bouche, and chocolate truffles. Book via email for lunch or dinner
When: Valid until 30 September 2023. Sunday to Monday, 8am to 10pm
Where: Steenberg Farm, Steenberg Road, Tokai, Cape Town
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 021 713 7178
Website: steenbergfarm.com
Facebook: @SteenbergFarm
Instagram: @steenbergfarm
